Boston ASL Center
an initiative of the AES World Languages and Cultures Institute 501(c)3

Am I eligible?

All adults 18 years or older are eligible to participate in the program, regardless of current affiliation or past experience with ASL.

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What if I have to miss a class?

Students who miss a class will receive class notes and materials. It is possible, but not guaranteed, that classes will be recorded or that you can review missed class material during a free tutoring session. The make-up class is only in case the instructor needs to cancel a class for any reason.

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How do I know what is the best course for me?

A placement interview conducted over Zoom will determine what course is the best fit for you.

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Will I be a certified interpreter after this program?

Unfortunately, our courses are non-degree, non-credential courses. While you will develop strong communicative skills in ASL, to become an interpreter you will need to seek further ASL training and take the National Interpreting exam to become certified. 

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What levels do you offer?

This program offers eight different and sequential levels designed for students ranging from novice beginner to advanced signers. Your level is determined by a preliminary placement interview.

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What is the refund policy?

Registration fees are non-refundable unless you do not place into one of the courses for the cycle selected. Your placement is determined by your placement interview. Final tuition payments are fully refundable (minus the registration fee) until one month prior to the cycle’s start date.

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Do we have to do any work outside of class?

Each week, there are vocabulary lists to review and practice activities assigned for completion outside of class. Considering how busy our students’ lives are, the homework assignments are optional, but very, very encouraged.

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Do I need to purchase any books or materials?

All materials will be provided by the instructors.

 

How big are the classes?

The 12-month average student-to-teacher ratio is at or below 5 to 1. We strive to offer multiple sections of each level to ensure small group classes that typically cap at no more than 10 students per class.

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Are there one-on-one/individual classes?

On occasion, we offer free tutoring with volunteer instructors. These tutoring sessions are a great opportunity to review, practice, and ask clarifying questions from class.

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What happens if I don't place into a class, or my class gets cancelled for some reason?

You can transfer your registration and tuition to the next cycle of class or you can get a full refund including the registration fee.

 

What is the make-up date for?

The make-up class is reserved in case a class is cancelled by the instructor for any reason.

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Will classes be taught exclusively in ASL?

Our classes are taught completely in ASL with a few exceptions. The first week of Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 courses will be taught bilingually. This means that for the first week, a TA will be present alongside the instructor to voice and translate important course information and teach the introductory lesson. 

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After the first week of B1 and B2, all classes will be taught in an ASL Zone - this means that we follow a 'voice-off' policy where students must remain silent, only using ASL and the chat function on Zoom when necessary. All levels above B2 will be taught 100% in ASL only.

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Where can I find more information about the ASL courses' policies?

Please visit the Program Policies page for detailed information regarding transfers, waitlists, refunds, and more. 

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